McCANDLESS (KDKA) – An intoxicated driver who allegedly refused a taxi ride after a night of drinking at a local bar was killed in a crash in McCandless Sunday evening.

According to investigators, 32-year-old Benjamin Bibler had been drinking at J. Clark’s restaurant. When he tried to leave, patrons and employees urged him to not get behind the wheel and wait for a cab, but he refused.

According to reports, police arrived and threatened to charge Bibler with a DUI if he started the car. Bibler allegedly said, “What kind of DUI?” slammed the door and started the car.

According to a witness, he backed into a McCandless police car on his way out before speeding off, without turning on his lights.

Authorities say he was driving 70 to 80 miles per hour.

Bibler missed an oncoming police cruiser, crossed McKnight Road and slammed into a tree. Once he crashed, he was surrounded by police.

Bibler was pronounced dead at the scene.

An autopsy for Bibler is scheduled and Allegheny County Police Crash Scene Investigators are continuing to look into this accident to figure out how it all happened.

Pittsburgh native and Point Park graduate Ross Guidotti joined KDKA-TV in 2001 as a general assignment reporter.
During his career, Ross has covered major stories including hurricanes, forest fires, efforts to impeach former President Bill Clinton...